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How to Say "abuse" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “abuse” is “abuso” — use 'abuso' for general mistreatment, exploitation, or improper use of power or privilege, often with a negative moral connotation..

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abuso

ah-BOO-soh/aˈβuso/

nounC1general
Use 'abuso' for general mistreatment, exploitation, or improper use of power or privilege, often with a negative moral connotation.
A storybook illustration of an overloaded, small donkey struggling to pull a cart piled high with boxes, representing exploitation.

Examples

La organización denunció el abuso infantil.

The organization reported child abuse.

El director fue acusado de abuso de autoridad.

The director was accused of abuse of authority (misuse of power).

Noun/Adjective Combinations

When using 'abuso' in a serious context, it is almost always followed by an adjective or another noun (connected by 'de') to specify the type of mistreatment: 'abuso verbal', 'abuso físico'.

explotación

nounB2general
Use 'explotación' when referring specifically to the misuse of labor, resources, or power for unfair gain, often in a commercial or systemic context.

Examples

Hay leyes estrictas contra la explotación infantil.

There are strict laws against child exploitation.

malos tratos

noun phraseB2general
Use 'malos tratos' specifically to describe harsh, cruel, or abusive treatment, especially in contexts like animal welfare or interpersonal relationships.

Examples

La ley prohíbe los malos tratos en el trabajo.

The law prohibits mistreatment in the workplace.

violencia

/byo-LEN-sya//bjoˈlensja/

nounB1general
Use 'violencia' when 'abuse' refers to physical force, aggression, or systemic harm, particularly in social or political contexts.
A high quality storybook illustration of a small, sad figure sitting alone on the floor, hugging their knees. A large, jagged crack runs down the brightly colored wall behind them, symbolizing trauma or harm.

Examples

La policía actuó con violencia para dispersar la manifestación.

The police acted with violence to disperse the demonstration.

Hay que combatir la violencia de género con educación y leyes estrictas.

Gender violence must be fought with education and strict laws.

La violencia de la tormenta causó daños severos en la costa.

The intensity of the storm caused severe damage on the coast.

Feminine Noun Rule

Even though it ends in '-a', remember 'violencia' is a feminine noun, so you must use the feminine article 'la' or adjectives that end in '-a' with it.

Gender Error

Mistake: “El violencia”

Correction: La violencia. Remember abstract nouns ending in '-cia' are almost always feminine.

Abuso vs. Explotación

Learners often confuse 'abuso' and 'explotación'. While 'abuso' is a broader term for mistreatment, 'explotación' specifically implies taking unfair advantage of someone or something, often for profit or labor. Think of 'explotación' as a more specific type of 'abuso' related to unfair dealings.

Related Translations

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